Google Maps and Google Places will come to Kia's UVO eServices telematics system

Kia is partnering up with Google to allow drivers access to applications like Google Maps and Google Places for a more convenient driving experience.

Google will provide its applications to Kia's UVO eServices telematics system, which offers various driving solutions such as directions. The new partnership will allow Kia drivers to locate Points of Interest (POI) and driving directions either in-car or via a mobile device.

Using the Send2Car feature, Kia drivers will be able to deliver a POI or set of directions to their car through the Google Maps via their Smartphone UVO app. Once inside the car, owners can use Google Places for other destination options such as finding a dealership.

The UVO eServices telematics system offers Google integration, an eServices Guide that explains what it does to the user, Car Care Web for vehicle information like behavior and maintenance, My POI for sending destinations from Google Maps to the UVO eServices system, Vehicle Diagnostics, 911 Connect and Parking Minder for when drivers forget where they left their car.

"The newest iteration of the UVO platform is a breakthrough as one of the industry's first mobile pure app-based telematics systems, and now with the Google solutions and APIs, we take the platform to yet another level of enhancement for the Kia customer," said Henry Bzeih, head of the connected car program and chief technology strategist at Kia Motors America. "Due to the popularity and ease-of-use of Google Maps, owners can remain confident in the technology and information being delivered to them."

The new Google-integrated generation of the UVO eServices telematics system will initially be available in the 2014 Sorento CUV.

Kia was recently busted by the EPA for overstating estimated gas mileage claims on most of its 2012-2013 vehicles. It (as well as Hyundai) will be lowering the fuel economy estimates on the majority of their 2012 to 2013 models.

Some of the MPG window stickers that will require a change include the Hyundai Accent and the Kia Soul ECO. The Accent had its 30/40/33 (city/highway/combined) rating drop to 28/37/31. The Kia Soul ECO saw the biggest drop of any affected model going from 27/35/30 to 24/29/26.